On the go and no time to finish that story right now? Your News is the place for you to save content to read later from any device. Register with us and content you save will appear here so you can access them to read later.

Related articles:

The Kiwibank staff in Hastings have rallied together and are putting on weekly team barbecues.

Ms Charles said this support had made them feel welcome and at home.

"Even though we are away from our family and friends and there's been the flooding and aftershocks everyone here is looking after us so well."

"It is a relief to know we have so much support," Ms Hayvice said.

The women also said the move allowed them to mix and mingle with a range of new people.

"When I jumped in my van I knew no one but by the end of the trip we were like a family." Ms Tuulima said.

The women were now working and sharing an office with people they had previously only talked to over the phone.

"It was pretty cool being able to be like 'hey you're the one I always talk to' and getting to know them," Ms Charles said.

"I think we have actually become more understanding in our work as we share stories and experiences with one another and we can use this opportunity to reflect," Ms Hayvice said.

The Kiwibank spokesman said the Hastings office had proven to be "a worthy investment".

"We wanted an environment where we could continue our banking services out of Wellington. We have efficient and good operations in Hastings and it has all worked very well so far, so we are very pleased."

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule said the move may have been a bit distressing so he wanted to welcome Wellington staff to the community.

"We want to make sure that when they're not working they can make the most of our beautiful district to relax and recover from the stresses of the earthquakes."

The council has provided visitor packs, which include details of the region's cycling trails, maps, invitations to events such as Carols in Cornwall Park and the central city night markets, and details of where they can get information if they need it.